A heat exchanger is a crucial component designed for heating or cooling materials in various applications. Over the past 150 years, a diverse range of heat exchanger types and designs have evolved, making the selection process complex.
“All but the most basic heat exchangers are created to a bespoke brief, designed to take into account the material/s being heated or cooled, the heating or cooling medium, the amount of product being processed, product velocity risk of fouling and a host of other factors,” said Matt Hale, International Sales and Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers.
However, standard design types have emerged over time, simplifying the specification process.
Key considerations in heat exchanger selection include the need for complete stainless-steel construction for hygiene (especially in the food and beverage industry) and the nature of the processed material, including viscosity and particle content.
Main types of heat exchangers produced by HRS:
1. Corrugated Tube Heat Exchangers:
Increased heat transfer and energy efficiency, reduced fouling, compact design, and easier maintenance.
Types:
- Annular Space Heat Exchangers: Suitable for high-viscosity products like ketchup, honey, fruit jams, and dairy products.
- Double Tube Heat Exchangers: Versatile design for more viscous products or those with large particulates in suspension.
- Multitube Heat Exchangers: Simple design suitable for various industries and applications.
2. Scraped Surface Heat Exchangers (SSHEs):
Preferred for difficult heat transfer applications with high viscosities and fouling challenges.
Types:
- Unicus Series: Traditional shell and tube design with scraping elements inside each tube, ideal for delicate products.
- R Series: Designed for very high viscosities and high fouling fluids, using a rotary scraper rod for increased heat transfer.
- Considerations for heat exchanger selection also include leak detection in critical situations.
For high-capacity heating or cooling, corrugated tube heat exchangers are recommended, while scraped surface heat exchangers are suggested for challenging applications.
HRS offers a variety of heat exchangers tailored for different industries and applications, with expert staff available to assist in finding the ideal solution for processing various food and drink products.
